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Assessment of gait parameters and physical function in patients with advanced cancer participating in a 12‐week exercise and nutrition programme: A controlled clinical trial
Author(s) -
Schink Kristin,
Gaßner Heiko,
Reljic Dejan,
Herrmann Hans J.,
Kemmler Wolfgang,
Schwappacher Raphaela,
Meyer Julia,
Eskofier Björn M.,
Winkler Jürgen,
Neurath Markus F.,
Klucken Jochen,
Zopf Yurdagül
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
european journal of cancer care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1365-2354
pISSN - 0961-5423
DOI - 10.1111/ecc.13199
Subject(s) - medicine , bioelectrical impedance analysis , gait , physical therapy , gait analysis , physical medicine and rehabilitation , grip strength , timed up and go test , preferred walking speed , cancer , body mass index , balance (ability)
Objective Gait is a sensitive marker for functional declines commonly seen in patients treated for advanced cancer. We tested the effect of a combined exercise and nutrition programme on gait parameters of advanced‐stage cancer patients using a novel wearable gait analysis system. Methods Eighty patients were allocated to a control group with nutritional support or to an intervention group additionally receiving whole‐body electromyostimulation (WB‐EMS) training (2×/week). At baseline and after 12 weeks, physical function was assessed by a biosensor‐based gait analysis during a six‐minute walk test, a 30‐s sit‐to‐stand test, a hand grip strength test, the Karnofsky Index and EORTC QLQ–C30 questionnaire. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and inflammation by blood analysis. Results Final analysis included 41 patients (56.1% male; 60.0 ± 13.0 years). After 12 weeks, the WB‐EMS group showed higher stride length, gait velocity ( p < .05), six‐minute walking distance ( p < .01), bodyweight and skeletal muscle mass, and emotional functioning ( p < .05) compared with controls. Correlations between changes in gait and in body composition, physical function and inflammation were detected. Conclusion Whole‐body electromyostimulation combined with nutrition may help to improve gait and functional status of cancer patients. Sensor‐based mobile gait analysis objectively reflects patients’ physical status and could support treatment decisions.